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12-day South Korea: Seoul (DMZ & Palaces) > Busan Coast & Markets > Jeju Island Highlights — 15–26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 99 travelers

Day 1: Arrival Night

Seoul, South Korea on November 15, 2025

9:45pm

Arrival at Incheon Airport

Flight lands at 9:45pm — allow time for immigration and baggage (usually 30–60 minutes). Arrange AREX train or airport limousine/taxi to central Seoul (Myeongdong/Hongdae area).
KRW10000, 1h30m

11:30pm

Late dinner / street food in Myeongdong

If you’re staying near Myeongdong, try street-food stalls (tteokbokki, hotteok) or Myeongdong Kyoja for late Korean noodles — many stalls are open late but check individual vendor times.
KRW12000, 45m

12:30am

Check in & rest

Check in to your Seoul hotel and rest; get a quick orientation of where your metro and convenience stores are for morning.
KRW0, 8h0m

Day 2: DMZ Day

Seoul, South Korea on November 16, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast - hotel or grab-and-go

Have a quick hotel breakfast or a convenience-store kimbap and coffee to fuel a long day; DMZ tours depart early.
KRW8000, 30m

7:30am

DMZ / JSA Tour (pre-booked)

Full-day guided DMZ tour (Dora Observatory, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dorasan Station and, where available, JSA areas). Book well in advance — tours often run roughly 8:30am–5:00pm and require passport details.
KRW80000, 9h30m

1:00pm

Lunch (tour-provided or local restaurant)

Most DMZ tours include a set lunch; if not, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for a Korean set meal.
KRW15000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening - Insadong & Gwangjang Market

Wander Insadong’s shops and galleries, then try Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung-bean pancake) and mayak kimbap; market stalls open into the evening (many until ~10:00–23:00).
KRW15000, 2h0m

8:30pm

Return to hotel

Relax and plan next-day day-trip paperwork (tickets, trains).
KRW0, 1h0m

Day 3: Gapyeong Day-trip

Seoul, South Korea on November 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast - quick cafe or hotel

Grab a sandwich or coffee to go — it’s an early start for the Gapyeong day trip (Nami Island + railbike + Garden of Morning Calm).
KRW8000, 30m

9:00am

Nami Island (Namiseom) ferry & walk

Ferry services typically run from early morning to evening (approx 7:30–18:00). Stroll tree-lined paths and photo spots; best to pre-book ferry tickets at busy season.
KRW13000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch - Chuncheon dakgalbi

Try Chuncheon’s famous dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) near Gapyeong station — hearty and local specialty.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gangchon Rail Bike

Experience a scenic rail-bike pedal along abandoned tracks near Gangchon; most operators run 09:00–18:00 but schedules vary — reserve in advance.
KRW35000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Garden of Morning Calm

Leisurely visit this landscaped botanical garden (typical hours ~08:30–18:00; night illumination seasonally later). It’s a peaceful, photogenic stop before returning to Seoul.
KRW10000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Return to Seoul & dinner in Samcheong-dong / Bukchon area

Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village (open outdoor at all times) and dine at a cosy Samcheong-dong restaurant or try Tosokchon samgyetang for classic ginseng chicken soup (open typically 10:00–22:00).
KRW15000, 1h30m

Day 4: Palaces & Suwon

Seoul → Busan, South Korea on November 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - cafe near Bukchon

Enjoy pastries or a Korean-style brunch coffee before palace sightseeing.
KRW10000, 30m

9:00am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Major royal palace: typically open 09:00–17:00 (closed Tuesdays). See Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the National Folk Museum; hanbok rentals nearby are popular for photos.
KRW3000, 2h0m

11:30am

Bukchon Hanok Village walk

Stroll the traditional hanok lanes; free to roam and great for photos. Respect residents and posted signs.
KRW0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Train to Suwon & lunch (Suwon galbi)

Take the metro/ITX to Suwon (~40–60 minutes). Try Suwon galbi (grilled short ribs) for lunch — a local specialty.
KRW21500, 3h0m

4:30pm

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Suwon City Library

Walk parts of Hwaseong Fortress (open ~09:00–18:00) and visit the modern Suwon libraries or public reading spaces. The fortress offers panoramic views and historical gates.
KRW1000, 1h30m

7:00pm

KTX Seoul → Busan (evening)

Board the KTX from Seoul Station to Busan (book a reserved seat in advance). Typical travel ~2h30–2h45; evening trains let you arrive in Busan comfortably.
KRW59000, 2h35m

9:45pm

Check in to Busan hotel (Haeundae area recommended) & late dinner

Settle into a Haeundae or Seomyeon hotel. For a late bite, try local seafood or a late-night Korean BBQ near the station.
KRW20000, 1h15m

Day 5: Haeundae & Coast

Busan, South Korea on November 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast - Haeundae cafe

Enjoy a beachside cafe breakfast watching Haeundae Beach wake up.
KRW10000, 45m

9:30am

Haeundae Beach & Dongbaek Island

Walk the scenic Dongbaek promontory and boardwalk; the beach area is open all day and is lovely for morning photos.
KRW0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch - Haeundae seafood

Try grilled clams or sashimi at one of the seafood restaurants near the beach; fresh, local catches are common.
KRW20000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Busan Aquarium (SEA LIFE Busan)

Indoor aquarium at Haeundae (typical hours ~10:00–19:00); good if weather turns chilly — book tickets for quieter entry times.
KRW30000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Beautiful seaside temple north of Haeundae, open daily (early morning to evening). Sunset here is spectacular on clear days.
KRW0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner - Gwangalli Bridge view

Dine near Gwangalli Beach for dazzling night views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge — seafood or Korean BBQ are excellent choices.
KRW25000, 1h30m

Day 6: Markets & Culture

Busan, South Korea on November 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - kimbap & coffee

Light breakfast before a culture- and market-focused day.
KRW8000, 30m

9:00am

Gamcheon Culture Village

Colourful hillside village with murals, cafes and lookout points — open all day and best earlier to avoid crowds.
KRW0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Jagalchi Fish Market - seafood lunch

Busan’s largest fish market — choose your seafood and have it prepared at a nearby restaurant; the market runs early to late (many stalls 05:00–22:00).
KRW20000, 1h0m

2:00pm

BIFF Square & Gukje Market shopping

Explore street-food stalls, independent shops and souvenirs in the Nampo area; markets usually operate 10:00–22:00.
KRW0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park

Visit for city views from Busan Tower (hours often ~10:00–21:00); the park is great for a late-afternoon stroll.
KRW8000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner - local milmyeon or pork soup

Try Busan’s milmyeon (wheat noodles) or a hearty pork-based soup at a recommended local restaurant.
KRW15000, 1h0m

Day 7: Scenic Coast

Busan, South Korea on November 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - local cafe

Breakfast near your hotel; plan for a coastal day so bring layers against sea breeze.
KRW8000, 30m

9:00am

Taejongdae Park & Observatory

Large coastal park with cliffs and lookout points; free to explore (monorail available seasonally). Park hours usually early morning to evening.
KRW0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch - grilled mackerel or fish stew

Enjoy a fresh-cooked fish meal in a local seaside restaurant around Taejongdae.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Oryukdo Skywalk & Igidae coastal walk

Short dramatic coastal walks with cliffside views and a glass skywalk — open daytime and very photogenic.
KRW0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Spa Land Centum City (optional)

Relax in one of Korea’s premium jjimjilbangs/saunas located in Centum City (hours often early morning to late night); excellent after hiking.
KRW15000, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner - Centum City restaurants

Choose from many dining options in Shinsegae Centum City; convenient if ending the day here.
KRW25000, 1h30m

Day 8: Last Busan Day → Jeju

Busan → Jeju, South Korea on November 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - Haeundae brunch

A relaxed morning enjoying a seaside brunch before packing for flight to Jeju.
KRW12000, 1h0m

10:00am

Shopping - Centum City or local markets

Last-minute shopping at Shinsegae Centum City or Nampo area for souvenirs and snacks.
KRW0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch - Busan-style eomuk (fish cake)

Try local fish cake and light dishes before heading to the airport.
KRW10000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Transfer to Gimhae Airport

Allow ~40–60 minutes to Gimhae depending on traffic; leave with buffer for check-in (domestic flight).
KRW10000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Flight Busan → Jeju

Evening flight (~1h) to Jeju. Book in advance for best fares and timetables; Gimhae→Jeju flights operate frequently.
KRW50000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Arrive Jeju & dinner - Jeju black pork

Check into your Jeju hotel and enjoy Jeju’s famous black pork BBQ near Jeju City — many restaurants open late.
KRW30000, 1h30m

Day 9: East Jeju Highlights

Jeju Island, South Korea on November 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - hotel or local tangerine juice

Try fresh Jeju tangerine juice or a light hotel breakfast to prepare for a day of sightseeing.
KRW8000, 30m

9:00am

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

Famous volcanic tuff cone with coastal views (typically open daytime, entry fee small). Climb the trail for panoramic scenery — best in calm weather.
KRW2000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch - local seafood near Seongsan

Enjoy abalone porridge or fresh sashimi at a seaside restaurant near Seongsan Port.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Manjanggul Lava Tube

Explore one of the world’s longest lava tubes (usually open ~09:00–17:00); expect cool temperatures inside and easy walking paths.
KRW2000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Seopjikoji or Jeju Folk Village

Stroll coastal Seopjikoji with rock formations and lighthouse, or visit the Folk Village to learn island culture; check seasonal opening times (generally daylight hours).
KRW8000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner - east coast seafood

Head back to Jeju City or local town for fresh seafood or black pork; many restaurants open late in tourist spots.
KRW25000, 1h30m

Day 10: West & South Jeju

Jeju Island, South Korea on November 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast - pack for varied day

Quick breakfast; today includes scenic beaches, botanical and tea stops — a rented car is most convenient on Jeju.
KRW8000, 30m

8:30am

Hyeopjae Beach & Hallim Park

Hyeopjae’s white sand and Hallim Park’s subtropical gardens make a lovely morning combo (Hallim Park typical hours ~08:30–18:00).
KRW12000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch - local noodle or black pork

Enjoy a relaxed local lunch near the west coast.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:00pm

O'Sulloc Tea Museum & Innisfree Jeju House

Explore green tea fields, sample drinks and browse the shop; open usually 09:00–18:00.
KRW5000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Cheonjiyeon & Jeongbang Falls (Seogwipo)

Visit two of Jeju’s most accessible waterfalls (open daily, small entry fee), especially nice in late afternoon light.
KRW2000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner - Seogwipo seafood market

Dine on local seafood at Seogwipo market restaurants; lively evening atmosphere and fresh catches.
KRW20000, 1h30m

Day 11: Short Hike & Return

Jeju → Seoul, South Korea on November 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and pack; leave luggage at hotel reception if you want a last short activity before the flight.
KRW8000, 30m

8:30am

Hallasan short trail (Eoseungsaengak) or sunrise spots

Do a short, invigorating hike on one of the easier Hallasan trails (Eoseungsaengak ~1.5–3 hours) for panoramic views without a full summit attempt.
KRW0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch - gogi-guksu or local pancakes

Try island specialities like gogi-guksu (pork noodle soup) for a filling mid-day meal.
KRW12000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Transfer to Jeju Airport & car return

Return rental car and check in for your flight to Seoul; allow 60–90 minutes depending on location and traffic.
KRW10000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Flight Jeju → Seoul (Gimpo preferred)

Evening flight back to Seoul; Gimpo is closer to central Seoul than Incheon — choose based on your final hotel/airport plan.
KRW50000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Arrive Seoul & dinner in Hongdae or Myeongdong

Spend a final evening in a lively neighbourhood like Hongdae for nightlife or Myeongdong for last-minute shopping and dinner.
KRW20000, 1h30m

Day 12: Departure Day

Seoul, South Korea on November 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - hotel or nearby cafe

Early breakfast and final check-out preparations. Keep passports and boarding pass handy for airport transfer.
KRW10000, 30m

9:30am

Last-minute shopping - Myeongdong / Namdaemun

Pick up snacks, cosmetics or souvenirs; many shops open by 10:00 but street areas are walkable earlier. Confirm store opening times for specific shops.
KRW0, 1h30m

11:00am

Early lunch - bibimbap or quick set meal

Have a light, quick lunch near your hotel to avoid rush when heading to the airport.
KRW12000, 45m

11:30am

Transfer to Incheon Airport (AREX or airport bus)

For an international flight at 4:10pm, aim to arrive at Incheon by ~1:10pm–1:30pm; leave central Seoul ~11:30–12:00 depending on transport (AREX 50–60 minutes, airport bus 60–90 minutes).
KRW10000, 1h30m

1:10pm

Arrive Incheon & check-in / security

Arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before international departure. Clear security, immigration and relax at the gate.
KRW0, 3h0m

4:10pm

Flight departs to Brunei

Depart Seoul for Brunei at 16:10 — safe travels. Ensure you’ve reconfirmed terminal and boarding gate on the day.
KRW0, ---
0
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